The Partnership for National Unity (APNU) says the township of New Amsterdam, Berbice, will benefit from a significant increase in support if it wins the next elections.
This is according to New Amsterdam Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh, who was at the time speaking at a party rally over the weekend, where he claimed that the town had been marginalised and lacked the resources required to further its development strategies.
“I (had) often wondered, why is the Mayor and Town Council not doing anything – and this of course was from the outside point of view – not until I entered to serve my fellow citizens, I realised that New Amsterdam was marginalised and it continues to be marginalised,” McIntosh stated.
Central Government, up to 2024, provided an annual subvention of $5 million to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and $18 million to municipalities.
But in April of this year, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced that the annual subvention to every NDC would increase to $30 million, while every municipality would receive $50 million.
Municipalities raise funds through the collection of rates and taxes, market fees and stall rentals, and the issuance of licences and permits.
McIntosh acknowledged that while New Amsterdam had seen an increase in its subvention, the municipality must now make do with what they have.
“In New Amsterdam, we have taken steps to improve the lives and livelihood of our citizens through the meager subventions over the years (which) remind us that efficiency spells making the best use of whatever little resources you have,” McIntosh stated.
The mayor also acknowledged the need for accountability and good governance of public officers and noted that with more governmental support, the municipality would be more proficient in the delivery of services and the improvement of livelihoods.
He said the municipality would be better able, among other things, to take care of its drainage networks, empower small businesses through their various programmes, and support the development of the constituency’s young people.
